SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Virginia

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Virginia)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Virginia with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Virginia. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Virginia, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Virginia includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Virginia, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Virginia, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Virginia includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Virginia include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Virginia to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Virginia. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Virginia. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Virginia, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Virginia if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Virginia. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Virginia, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

What are the SNAP income limits in Virginia?

Virginia uses the federal SNAP income limits. The calculator applies both gross and net tests automatically based on your household size.

How much can a 1 person household get in food stamps in Virginia?

A 1-person household in Virginia may get up to around $291 maximum per month in FY2025, but most households get less — the calculator estimates your actual amount.

Can you get SNAP in Virginia if you just lost your job?

Yes. SNAP is based on household income — not employment status. Zero income households can qualify and the calculator supports zero income cases.

Do rent and utilities count toward SNAP eligibility in Virginia?

Yes — Virginia applies Standard Utility Allowances which increase shelter deductions. Higher rent often increases benefit amounts.

Do Social Security or SSI count as income for SNAP in Virginia?

Yes — retirement, SSDI, and SSI count as unearned income. Enter those amounts into the calculator for accurate results.

Can students qualify for SNAP in Virginia?

Yes — but only if they meet student exemptions such as work-study, work hours, disability, or parenting. The calculator screens for student exemptions.

Do medical expenses help elderly or disabled households get more SNAP in Virginia?

Yes. Out-of-pocket medical costs can count as deductions and may result in a higher SNAP benefit for eligible households.

Does Virginia have an asset test for SNAP?

Most Virginia SNAP households do not have an asset limit due to broad-based categorical eligibility, except in certain federal rule situations.

Can gig workers like DoorDash or Uber qualify for SNAP in Virginia?

Yes — gig work counts as earned income. Enter monthly average earnings in the calculator.

Does Virginia count child support payments as a SNAP deduction?

Yes. Legally owed child support paid can reduce countable income — the calculator subtracts this when entered.

Do SNAP (EBT) amounts change every year in Virginia?

Yes — income limits and benefit amounts update every October 1. The calculator uses the current fiscal year values.

Does SNAP in Virginia require a net income test?

Yes — unless special elderly or disability exemptions apply, applicants must still pass the net income test after deductions.

Can I qualify for SNAP in Virginia if I live with parents but buy my own food?

Yes — if you purchase and prepare food separately, you may be considered a separate SNAP household.

Do SNAP rules treat roommates in Virginia as one household?

No — roommates are only counted together if they share food purchasing and preparation. Otherwise each can be separate households.

Where do I apply for SNAP in Virginia after using the calculator?

You apply through Virginia DSS (Department of Social Services) online via CommonHelp, or at local DSS offices. After applying an interview is scheduled.